Perspectives: September 2025

A message from our President & CEO

PDP’s Core Mission: Safe, Clean and Welcoming Downtown

When the general public thinks of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), they often point to our festivals, markets, and public events. Those activations bring incredible energy to Downtown. But at the core of our mission is work that isn’t always as visible: keeping Downtown clean, safe, and welcoming.

At a time when conversations about the safety of city streets are heightened across the country, it’s important to remember that safety, cleanliness, and a welcoming environment are the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re attracting businesses and visitors or supporting the people who call Downtown home, it’s a top priority. 

Read the full message

Strategy in Action

Working towards our Strategic Vision is a year-round effort. Here are some of the highlights from this past month.

Core

Highlights

On-Street Services: Latest Impact Metrics

Our on-street services work around the clock to keep Downtown clean, safe and welcoming. Here are a few recent highlights:

Volunteer highlights: August

This month our teams focused on weed abatement among other tasks, and our volunteers did a great job. Our volunteers worked primarily on the Boulevard of the Allies and on Fort Pitt Boulevard near Grant Street. In addition to weed abatement, the volunteers also tackled graffiti removal, focusing on Fourth Avenue near Wood Street, Third Avenue near Smithfield, and various other locations throughout the service area.

We thank all of our partners who served in the month of August and every month. We could not do what we do for Downtown without you!

• Allegheny Courts
• CMU’s Community Engagement Fair
• Carlow University’s Mercy Day of Service
• Carnegie Mellon University’s Black Student Union
• Carnegie Mellon University’s Orientation Day
• Henderson Brothers
• Pittsburgh Cares
• Pittsburgh Fellows
• Point Park University Pioneer Days (Orientation Day)
• Renewal, Inc.
• Magisterial court appointees

Want to get involved?

Sign up here to schedule your next volunteer outing. Questions? Email Bree!

Activation

Oktoberfest Dates & New Location Announced

Oktoberfest returns to Downtown on October 2-12, in a new riverside location along Ft. Duquesne Boulevard and Sixth Street Bridge!

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh is a family-friendly celebration of the beloved German tradition, featuring live music, entertainment, and plenty to eat and drink. Admission is free! Tickets are required for select activities. Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (21+) are available for purchase.

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh is presented by Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions.

Find event updates as they’re released at www.OKTPGH.com

Market Square Updates: First Look at New Streetscape Marks Construction Progress

Last month, we unveiled the first look at Market Square’s new shared streetscape, marking the next phase of the $15 million modernization project of one of Downtown’s most iconic public spaces. The project, which remains on schedule and on budget, is designed to preserve the Square’s historic character while upgrading infrastructure and amenities for the future.

Read the full story.

Transformation

Save the Date: Q4 State of Downtown

Next Session: October 28, 2025

Virtual Event | Details and Registration Available Soon

Join the PDP for a virtual discussion on the State of Downtown Pittsburgh, where we’ll present an analysis and insights, on Downtown’s residential market. The presentation will be followed by Q&A.

Sign up here to receive SODP updates.

Business updates

Tri-State Office Interiors Opens on Seventh Street

We’re thrilled to welcome Tri-State Office Interiors, a division of Pittsburgh-based Tri-State Office Furniture, Inc., to Downtown. Their new Allsteel showroom, which occupies a 7,500 sq. ft. top-floor space, is now open for business at 125 Seventh Street.

With sweeping city views, a large bar, and proximity to theaters, restaurants, and PNC Park, the showroom is designed with creative collaboration and forward-thinking functionality in mind. The location in the heart of the Cultural District complements the vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhood, while giving Downtown businesses greater access to their services and resources.

Please join us in welcoming Tri-State Office Interiors to Downtown! To book an appointment, call (412) 771-0760 or visit their website: tristateofficeinteriors.com

Coming Soon: Ruckus Cafe

Ruckus Cafe is scheduled to open their new Downtown Pittsburgh location next month! The Shaler-based coffee shop is the latest business to join our Downtown Rent Abatement Program. Stay tuned for more details about the grand opening.

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